Churches To Gather To Support All Kids

LAKE FRONT

Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.

Many Lake Countians heard this song in Sunday school long before they understood its meaning.

As they grew up, they realized that if Jesus loved the little white children, then he had to love the little black kids, too. And the red and yellow ones, as well.

Unfortunately, though, all the little children aren't doing so well these days.

A great many of them don't receive good care while their parents struggle to earn a living with eroded buying power.

Lake County worshipers will gather at Christ United Methodist Church of Leesburg on Oct. 18, joining thousands of churches and synagogues throughout the country to raise a common voice in support of children.

Youngsters from Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Leesburg and Community United Methodist Church of Fruitland Park will sing.

Clowns from St. Paul's Catholic Church in Leesburg will entertain. The Rev. Arthur Middleton from Mt. Calvary will speak.

Everyone is welcome to attend, said Jackie McCollum, head planner for the Children's Sabbath.

``While the Leesburg area is known as a wonderful place for those in retirement, we want it to be known also as a warm and welcoming place for children.''

That's a worthwhile goal.

The last census showed that 22 percent of Lake County youngsters younger than 6 lived in poverty.

Children born to other children are far more likely to be poor, and the teen pregnancy rate in Lake County is far higher than the state average.

Horror stories about Lake County youngsters involved in serious crime, and the trials of teen killers, have dulled our senses.

Something's missing from the lives of these kids, and it's the same across the country.

Every day more than 5,000 children are arrested, reports the Children's Defense Fund.

Often these troubles can be prevented if young children get enough moral guidance and loving care while their parents are at work.

That doesn't happen, though. Instead, the parents of nearly 7 million American kids have a hard time finding decent child care.

There is a shortage of good, affordable day care in Lake County, as well. More than 1,000 young children here need day-care services.

The Oct. 18 service in Leesburg is a good chance for people of all faiths to set aside their differences and come together in support of a common goal - giving young people a good start in life.

Can churches work together and offer more child care?

Perhaps more volunteers and more contributions would help.

Could local government find ways to help set up more day-care centers?

Perhaps if leaders were reminded of the connection between a healthy start in life and a successful finish, then solutions would be found.

Jesus considered the needs of young children in his ministry, and made it plain that his followers should do likewise.

The Oct. 18 Children's Sabbath could be the start of a communitywide effort to follow that example.

The service is set for 3 p.m. Christ United Methodist is in Leesburg at 1313 Griffin Road, across the street from Beverly Shores Elementary School.